A Magnolia Landmark Retires After 37 Years

Junk for Joy, a wholesaler of vintage clothing, collectables, and other goodies, has been a Burbank mainstay for nearly 40 years. Photo by Kristina Lloyd

Junk for Joy, a wholesaler and retailer of vintage clothing, collectables, and other goodies, is “cutting the cord” after 37 years in Los Angeles. Ron Ede and customer favorite Seabrook, the masterminds behind this imaginative playground, are excited for the future.

“I will miss our loyal customers coming to the store as youngsters — and now they bring their own children! Seeing the different generations is fulfilling.”

Originally, Junk for Joy opened in 1976 and later in the iconic Schwab Pharmacy (on the buzzing corner of Crescent Heights and Sunset). They operated there for two Halloweens before relocating to Burbank. What began as a quiet area back then, Magnolia Boulevard has evolved into what Ron calls an “eclectic destination area” where people can shop for all sorts of unconventional provisions.

Junk for Joy has supplied the entertainment industry, as well as regular folks, with the best in costumes and vintage clothing for decades. Ron recalls fond memories from the biz: “It’s cool that I supplied the dancers’ costumes that came out of the ground for the ‘Thriller’ music video!” He also shared his gratification for a business trip to Japan where he hand picked some kimonos, only to see them appear in the ending scenes of Karate Kid II.

Ron is leaving on top of his game, and to celebrate his retirement Junk for Joy is having a storewide sale just in time for Halloween and their cherished “Christmas Sweaters” arrival in early November.

“I have a lot of people to visit when I’m done here. I’m from Australia and my wife is from South Carolina, so that’s a list right there!”

So go and check out the impressive loot Junk for Joy has to offer this Holiday Season, and while you’re at it, pick up some polyester pants – they ARE vintage after all!

Junk for Joy is located at 3314 W. Magnolia Blvd. in Burbank. For more information call (818) 569-4903.

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The Tolucan Times is a free weekly community newspaper, published since 1937 and available online. With over 600 drop locations throughout the San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys from Encino to Pasadena, The Tolucan Times serves the communities of Glendale, Flintridge La Canada, Burbank, North Hollywood, Toluca Lake, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, and Van Nuys, to list a few.